STRUGGLING Malvern have been urged to treat tomorrow’s EDF Energy Intermediate Cup second round clash with holders Chester as a relaxing distraction from their poor league form as they look to kickstart their campaign.

The Spring Lane side start as underdogs as they host Chester (2pm), according to director of rugby David Robins.

Malvern have James Hines and Owen Jones back after injuries.

Robins said: “We are the underdogs which is an advantage to us. If we can get a result it will be a massive boost for us.

“The league pressure is off, we’re on our own patch and we can hopefully go out there and get a shock result.

“Chester must be coming down thinking they will roll us over. We’ve got nothing to lose and it’s a nice distraction to have a cup match at the moment.

“We’ve got to play them in the league in a couple of weeks. I’m hoping that the Malvern faithful will keep with us.

“We’re still not full strength and have got a number of injuries but hopefully some of those players will be back in the next couple of weeks.”

First XV v Chester (h, 2pm): T Drew, L Greenwood, J Ling, G Taylor, J Hines, J Martin, S Strong, O Jones, J Gwynne, C Pimlow, G Summers, R Fleming, R Watkins, T Beechey, C Hooper. Replacements: J Clark, A Murphy, D Smith, V Thomas. Meet at Spring Lane at 12.15pm, number one dress code, maroon shorts and socks.

Second XV v Tewkesbury II (h, 2.15pm): M Chivers (c), P Van Daesdonk, A Kowalczyk, S Doolittle, C Smith, A Avery, S Clark, A Green, C Williams, A Dixon, G Plumb, W Clee, J Bennett, N Clark, T Bryant. Reps: L Roleston, J Anderson, G Fraser. Meet at Spring Lane at 12.45pm.

Third XV v Droitwich (a, 2.15pm): Players to be advised directly. Meet at Spring Lane at 12.45pm).